CVE-2007-2276 in TippingPoint IPS
Summary
by MITRE
** DISPUTED ** 3Com TippingPoint IPS allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (device hang) via a flood of packets on TCP port 80 with sequentially increasing source ports, related to a "badly written loop." NOTE: the vendor disputes this issue, stating that the product has "performed as expected with no DoS emerging."
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/07/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-2276 pertains to a potential denial of service condition within 3Com TippingPoint Intrusion Prevention System devices. This issue manifests when the system receives a flood of packets specifically targeting TCP port 80 while utilizing sequentially increasing source ports. The reported flaw stems from what appears to be a poorly implemented loop structure within the device's packet processing logic, which allegedly causes the system to become unresponsive or hang under specific attack conditions. The vulnerability operates at the network layer, specifically targeting the TCP protocol implementation within the IPS device's processing pipeline.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability represents a classic example of a resource exhaustion attack that exploits inefficient loop handling mechanisms. The attack vector involves sending a high volume of TCP packets to port 80 with incrementally increasing source ports, which creates a scenario where the device's processing loop becomes trapped in an inefficient or infinite iteration pattern. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-835, which describes the weakness of a loop with an incorrect termination condition or a loop that does not properly advance its iteration variables. The flaw essentially causes the device to enter a state where it cannot properly process subsequent legitimate traffic, effectively creating a denial of service condition that impacts network security operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption, as it directly affects the core functionality of an intrusion prevention system that is designed to protect network infrastructure. When the TippingPoint device becomes unresponsive due to this flaw, it creates a security gap where malicious traffic can potentially bypass the device's protective measures. Network administrators face significant challenges when such a condition occurs, as the device may appear to be functioning normally while simultaneously being unable to process legitimate security events. The attack requires relatively simple packet crafting techniques and can be executed from remote locations, making it particularly dangerous for network security deployments that rely on these devices for protection.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability within the context of the broader ATT&CK framework, specifically under the tactic of Defense Evasion and the technique of Service Stoppage. The vendor's disputed status regarding this issue highlights the complexity often found in security assessments, where different parties may have varying interpretations of system behavior under stress conditions. Organizations implementing 3Com TippingPoint systems should conduct thorough testing to validate their device's behavior under high packet load conditions and consider implementing additional network segmentation or monitoring solutions to detect unusual traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper loop design and resource management in security appliances. Devices that process network traffic at high volumes must implement robust error handling and loop termination conditions to prevent exploitation. This case study underscores the critical need for security vendors to provide comprehensive testing and validation of their products under various stress conditions, particularly for devices that operate in mission-critical network security roles. Organizations should also maintain updated threat intelligence and be prepared to implement emergency patches or workarounds if similar vulnerabilities are discovered in their network security infrastructure.